Thread: Introduction and My Project (2006 Cobalt SS)

Well this is my first post here, so I figured I'd better introduce myself and describe my planned project.

First things first, my name is Dan. I'm a 23 year old Software Developer in Pittsburgh, PA. I graduated from Pitt with a BS in Computer Engineering in 2005. I'm a complete electronics nerd as well as a car buff. I've built many home PCs in the past, and even worked at Best Buy on the Geek Squad for a while... so I have experience with building PCs from the ground up. I also took plenty of circuits and architecture courses in college, so I have a great deal of experience with custom circuitry and electronics. I anticipate that this will all come in handy throughout my project.

My car is a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS (the non-supercharged 2.4L motor). I have a good deal of work into the car, both mechanically and visually. I'm also in the process of desiging, building, installing, and tuning a custom turbo kit for the car with the help of a few fellow gearheads. At the same time, I'd love to have a better system in my car. My original plans were just to upgrade to an aftermarket h/u with amp, and run my amp/sub off the aftermarket h/u (right now it's running off of a line output converter with the stock h/u).

My plan for the car is simply this setup:
- Custom-built Carputer (most likely in a mini-ITX form)
- Running either Frodoplayer or Roadrunner as the Frontend
- 7" Touchscreen LCD molded into the dash (leaning towards the Xenarc 700TSV)
- Eq/Amp TBD for the main speakers
- Existing Amp/Sub setup (Kenwood Amp and 12" JL Audio Sub)

Some of the features I'd like to include:
- Ability to use FM radio (using the front end to control it... so I'll probably need a tuner card)
- Auto Power-On and Standby (using one of the PSUs that provide this feature as well as low voltage detection)
- Ability to add GPS at a later date
- Ability to add an Xbox (simply display it on the LCD)

I originally thought of installing an aftermarket headunit below the LCD in the dash. Then I could use the radio on that, and simply run the audio from the PC into the h/u. But after measuring my dash, I don't think I have enough room for that. Here is a crappy picture of the factory radio:



I have a much better picture of my center dash... I'll post that tonight when I'm home from work.

IIRC, the dimensions of that center area are: 7.75" wide x 5.75" tall (and that includes that center portion below the factory radio). I'll double check those measurements tonight. That gives me about as much room as I'll need to custom fit a Xenarc 700TSV in there, but no additional h/u.

If anyone has any input on my ideas, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'd also love to hear some input on the radio functionality in FP and RR.

Thanks guys, and hello!